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Nigeria to protest killing of citizens in South Africa
Nigeria will protest the killings and high-handedness of South African police against its citizens, the Consul General, Nigeria Consulate, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mr Godwin Adama has said.
Adams stated this on Saturday while reacting to the alleged killing of a Nigerian, Maxwell Ikechukwu Okoye by the South African police on Friday.
The envoy said the situation was unacceptable and very worrisome, which deserved the intervention of host authorities.
”I have confirmed the death of late Maxwell Ikechukwu Okoye in the hands of South African police officers at about 01.00 hrs on Friday, June 14 when a group of policemen invaded his house in Ladysmith in Kwazulu Natal Province.
”He reportedly alerted a leader of Nigerian Community in the area of the presence of policemen in his house and called for their intervention.
”As no help was immediately available due probably to the time of the night and the fact that all attempts to get him on line was futile.
”He eventually was reported dead by the police who claimed they met him foaming when they broke into his house in that odd hour of the night, a claim that appeared suspicious and compromising,” he said.
He said that by the time members of Nigerian community in the area got to his house, his house was turned upside down and he was reported dead by the police who took his body to the mortuary on their own
The case, according to him, was reported by the resident Nigerians to the police who promised to commence investigation of the matter by the independent police investigative directorate (IPID) in the Province.
He said the mission had reported the matter to the National Headquarters of the IPID In Pretoria to ensure a thorough investigation was initiated on the matter.
”We intend to protest the matter officially through the usual diplomatic channel by the High Commission in Pretoria once all details are collated.
”This is about the 3rd case involving the alleged torture and murder of resident Nigerians by South African police in a spate of one month.
”It happened in Capetown, Durban and now in Ladysmith. As Nigerian Missions in South Africa, we shall not fold our hands and allow these infractions to continue.
”We shall not stand by and allow this development to continue. We shall be visiting the area to see things for ourselves while engaging relevant authorities on the matter. It is unacceptable,” he said.
He said that in October, 2017, a similar development of alleged murder of a Nigerian, Badmus Ibrahim Olalekan from Lagos State by men of the South African police service led to the arrest and arraignment of eight policemen in Vanderbijpark park, near Johannesburg, at the intervention of the consulate general.
. The case is currently at the High Court in Johannesburg and will be concluded in October, 2019 going by the conclusions of the last court sitting.
”We are closely following up this along with the others to ensure justice is served. We shall not leave any stone unturned concerning these matters.
”The high handedness of the South African police against Nigerians over flimsy excuses has become very worrisome and deserves the intervention of the host authorities.
”This is in order to protect the excellent relations that has existed between the two countries as well as preserve coexistence of Nigerians and their South African hosts,” he said
He added that the two Missions were however working hard to discuss the matter and resolve these challenges with the relevant host authorities.
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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.
More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.
The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.
Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.
The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.
Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.
Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.
Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.
The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.
Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.
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